Nigeria and Russia agree to replace their existing aviation agreement with a new pact

NIGERIA and Russia have agreed to replace a 59-year-old aviation agreement as part of a programme aimed at updating air transport relations and creating opportunities for stronger connectivity between both nations.

This new agreement to renegotiate the bilateral air services agreement (Basa), which dates back to 1967, was reached during a meeting between Nigeria’s aviation minister Festus Keyamo, and Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, the state secretary and deputy minister of transport of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. Mr Keyamo said both countries had agreed to complete negotiations within six months and sign a new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.

Mr Keyamo said: “We resolved to renegotiate our last bilateral air service agreement that was made in 1967. We set a timeline of six months to conclude the negotiations and sign a new one in Saint Petersburg in April 2027."

He added that both countries had formed negotiating teams to begin work toward an agreement within the agreed period. This proposed renegotiation is expected to update the framework governing air transport between Nigeria and Russia, reflecting changes in the international aviation industry over the past six decades.

A bilateral air services agreement provides the legal framework for scheduled air services between two countries. It generally sets out the conditions under which airlines from both countries can operate international flights, including routes, traffic rights, designated airlines and other operational arrangements.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development says its air transport management department negotiates and reviews new and existing air services agreements and monitors their implementation. In addition, the ministry also works with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation agencies to facilitate international air links and regulate airline operations.

Thus, the proposed replacement of the Nigeria-Russia agreement could therefore create opportunities for improved air connectivity and cooperation between their aviation sectors. However, neither Mr Keyamo nor the ministry disclosed proposed flight routes, designated airlines or the frequency of possible operations under the new agreement.

Beyond the aviation agreement, Mr Keyamo said the meeting also examined other areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Russia. Nigeria's delegation included the NCAA director-general Captain Chris Najomo and the registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr Danjuma Ismaila.

Nigeria and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations since shortly after Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Their relationship has included cooperation in areas such as defence, trade, science and technology.

Cooperation between the two countries has also extended to space technology, including the launch of Nigeria’s satellites aboard Russian rockets in 2011. Both countries are expected to begin negotiations through their respective teams, aiming to conclude the process and sign the new agreement in Saint Petersburg in April 2027.